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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Cut FR4 with a band saw?

From: kabowers@...
Date: 2010-04-14

On Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:23:32 -0000, you wrote:

>My experience is different from others have responded -- I cut the board with a band saw, and have not had any problem with blade life. Cuts very fast and no problem keeping it as straight as I need it to be. Leaves a tiny burr that cleans up easily with a file.
>
>Two caveats: 1) I don't cut a lot of board, so perhaps I just haven't seen the deterioration of blades yet. BUT 2) I am using a metal cutting band saw, which uses a considerably slower blade speed than a wood cutting band saw, and I use a 24 tpi blade made for cutting metal. I suspect the high speed of a woodworking band saw is a major factor in destroying blades when cutting this material.
>
>--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Steve <steve65@...> wrote:
>>
Same here. I use a blade designed for cutting metal. A 1/8" 10-tooth wood blade
isn't the way to go.

As far as keeping the cuts straight use the widest blade your
saw will take and adjust the blade tension and guides correctly.
If the saw is correctly adjusted it's not at all hard to cut a straight
line. If the guides are loose, etc. it's REALLY difficult.

Keith Bowers WB4LSJ- Thomasville, NC